“Welcome to New Mexico Land of Enchantment”  the yellow banner with red lettering reads crossing state lines.  We are stopping for the night in Las Cruces, at Hacienda RV park.  The park is easy access from the highway, and now that we are on Mountain time, we’ve gained an extra hour in our day.

“Let’s go for dinner and check out the area,” Ric suggests, so we have a quick wash to freshen up, unhook the truck and head out again.

The office has given us a series of brochures featuring dining, shopping, and exploring options, and we choose a restaurant nearby that has been in business since 1939.  Located in Old Mesilla,  La Posta turns out to be a good choice.  Inside the door we are greeted by a gift shop displaying cabinets full of silver jewellery.   Just past the gift shop the hallway opens into a large foyer with floor to ceiling bird cages housing a host of colourful characters.  Large aquariums line the walls, offering glimpses of tropical fish and piranha.  Stone benches set in the wall, create a waiting area with a tiled fountain at its center.

The hostess appears wearing a long flowing skirt of red and a bright blue peasant blouse.  Everywhere we look there is colour – the walls, the art, the tablecloths – it is a feast for the eyes.

“This is what I love,” Ric announces.

I have to agree.  It’s spectacular.

“You’re welcome to wander around,” a staff member says.  “Everyone does it and there’s lots to explore.”

I am tempted, but take my seat and order instead.  I haven’t been feeling well all day, and I’m hoping food will help.

I order chicken fajita and Ric goes for the strip sirloin.  The waiter brings fresh tortilla chips and salsa.   The place is hopping and it’s only 4:00.

My dinner arrives sizzling on a huge platter.  As good as it is, I can barely put a dent it.  Ric is disappointed in his steak finding it too thin a cut for his taste.

After dinner we pop into a shop across the way and then take a drive through the old neighbourhood, enchanted by the narrow streets and small boxy homes.

We are tired tonight, so decide that we’ll start early tomorrow and spend the day exploring.  Our goal for New Mexico is to find a tapestry that we can hang on the back of our bed to replace the headboard we removed during renovations.

Judging by what we have seen so far, we’ll have no problem fulfilling our quest.